What's the best WiFi router for your home?
Last updated: March 2026
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Summary:
For most homes, the Eero 7 (MSRP $169.99) is the best WiFi router you can get for the price
If you work from home, have gigabit internet, or a house full of devices, the Eero Pro 7 (MSRP $299.99) is worth the upgrade
The Eero Max 7 (MSRP $599.99) is for people who want the absolute best and have multi-gigabit internet
One Eero covers about 2,000 sq ft in a typical drywall home; buy a 2-pack or 3-pack for larger spaces
All Eero 7 models use WiFi 7, include a 3-year warranty, and work as standalone routers or mesh systems
It may be obvious, but quite possibly the most essential item when it comes to having fast, reliable internet access is your WiFi router. In the modern work-from-home era, having robust internet in every corner of our home (and yard!) is more important than ever. That is why we have started to shift to mesh networks, which allow a series of devices to stretch the WiFi signal across a large home.
Most internet providers will lease you a basic router, and for a small home that may be perfectly fine. But sometimes you need something better: something that reaches farther, something that's more reliable, or something you aren't paying a monthly fee for. That's where my recommendations come in.
I almost universally recommend Eero because, while they don't have a plethora of features, they are extremely fast, easy to set up, reliable, and secure. If you have very specific needs, you will know that, and this guide is not for you.
Eero 7 comparison
All models use WiFi 7 and include a 3-year warranty. Prices are MSRP as of March 2026.
| Best for most homes | Best for demanding homes | Best of the best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | ★ Recommended Eero 7 |
⬆︎ Pro Eero Pro 7 |
💲 Ultra Eero Max 7 |
| Where to buy | Amazon · Best Buy | Amazon · Best Buy | Amazon · Best Buy |
| 1-pack MSRP | $169.99 | $299.99 | $599.99 |
| 2-pack MSRP | $279.99 | $549.99 | $919.99 |
| 3-pack MSRP | $349.99 | $699.99 | $1,359.99 |
| Best for | Everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls. | Work-from-home offices, gigabit internet plans, homes packed with smart devices, or families with heavy simultaneous use. | Multi-gigabit internet plans, home servers, or anyone who wants the absolute fastest speeds available. |
| WiFi standard | WiFi 7, dual-band (2.4 + 5 GHz) |
WiFi 7, tri-band (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz) |
WiFi 7, tri-band (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz) |
| Max wireless speed | 1.8 Gbps | 3.9 Gbps | 4.3 Gbps |
| Ethernet ports | Two 2.5 GbE | Two 5 GbE | Two 10 GbE + Two 2.5 GbE |
| Max coverage per Eero | 2,000 sq ft | 2,000 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft |
| Devices supported | 120+ | 200+ | 250+ |
All models include Thread, Zigbee, and Matter smart home hub support (Alexa only; not compatible with Apple Home). Eero 6 products are still available but not recommended for new purchases.
All three models include Thread, Zigbee, and Matter smart home hub support. Note that Eero's smart home features integrate with Alexa but do not currently work with Apple Home. All use WiFi 7 (the latest standard), which delivers faster speeds and lower delays compared to WiFi 6. Eero does still sell its WiFi 6 products (the Eero 6 line), but at this point it makes more sense to go with WiFi 7 unless you are adding to an existing Eero 6 system and want to save a few dollars. All Eero WiFi 7 products come with a 3-year warranty, which is unusually long for consumer networking gear.
How many should you get? One Eero covers about 2,000 square feet (2,500 for the Max 7), but those numbers assume ideal conditions, which generally means a home with standard drywall interior walls. Walls made of brick, plaster, or cement can dramatically reduce WiFi signals, so a home built with those materials may need an extra unit or two. Homes with odd shapes or long, narrow layouts may also need more Eeros than the square footage alone would suggest, since the signal has to travel farther to reach the ends. On the other hand, don't overdo it: if Eeros are too close together (less than about 30–40 feet apart), they can actually interfere with each other. For a small drywall home, a single unit is usually enough. For a larger home, start with a 2-pack and add more if needed. You don't have to buy them all at once; you can always add another Eero later. The only downside is that you might miss out on the multi-pack discount.
Other Eero products
Eero PoE system (for new construction and renovations): PoE stands for Power over Ethernet, which means the access points get both their internet connection and their electrical power through a single Ethernet cable, so you don't need a power outlet at each location. This is aimed at high-end setups where Ethernet has been wired into the walls or ceilings during construction. It starts at MSRP $399.99 for the PoE Gateway plus MSRP $499.99 per ceiling or wall-mountable PoE 7 access point. This requires proper wiring and planning, so if you are interested, we should talk and look at blueprints.
Eero Outdoor 7 (MSRP $399.99): A weatherproof Eero designed to extend your WiFi outside. A single unit covers up to 15,000 square feet outdoors, and it can handle rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Great for security cameras, detached offices, or backyard streaming. It extends your existing Eero network and requires at least one indoor Eero as the gateway.
Eero Signal: A small device that plugs into any USB-C powered Eero (WiFi 6 or newer) and automatically switches your network to a cellular connection if your internet goes down. Available in 4G LTE (MSRP $99.99) and 5G (MSRP $199.99). Cellular backup data is bundled with an Eero Plus subscription. Worth considering if you work from home or depend on your connection for security cameras.
Some notes about Eeros
Mixing and matching: You can combine any Eero with any other Eero, even across generations (WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 together). Though sometimes a slower device may become a bottleneck, so it's generally better to have all of the same model.
Gateway and topology: One Eero must be connected directly to your modem or ONT (your incoming internet connection) via an Ethernet cable. This is called the gateway. Any other wired devices (additional Eeros, cameras, etc.) should be connected to the second port of your gateway Eero, either directly or via an Ethernet switch. The switch should not go between the modem and the gateway Eero.
Spacing: A good rule of thumb is two walls or floors between any two Eeros. Heated flooring, full-wall mirrors, plaster (the old-fashioned kind with chicken wire, not drywall), and exterior walls can count as two floors or walls.
Hardwire or wireless: While an ideal setup would be for every Eero to be hardwired with Ethernet to the gateway Eero, for many people that's not possible. The beauty of a mesh network is that it will work well over wireless too. You can even mix: maybe you can wire the second Eero but not the third.
All Eero Ethernet ports are live. You can plug a wired device into any Eero in your mesh to get it onto your network, even if that Eero connects to the rest of your mesh wirelessly.
If the LED lights are too bright, they can be adjusted or disabled in your Eero app. Very useful in a bedroom.
Note for Verizon FiOS customers
If you do not have Verizon TV service, you can replace your Verizon Gateway with an Eero system by connecting the Eero directly to your ONT. If you do have Verizon TV service, a Verizon Gateway is required so that your cable boxes can retrieve the program guide. The Eero can be used alongside the Verizon Gateway, but it does require some configuration to keep them from competing and causing problems. Eero's own support documentation recommends setting up the Eero behind the Verizon Gateway in a double NAT configuration and then putting the Eero into bridge mode. You can find the full instructions on Eero's Verizon FiOS setup page. I have heard that a MoCA adapter can get you around this requirement, but I haven't tried it myself yet.
Note for AT&T Fiber customers
AT&T requires that you use their gateway device (it combines the modem and router into one box). If you want to use an Eero, I recommend putting your AT&T gateway into IP Passthrough mode so that the Eero handles the routing while the AT&T device handles the fiber connection. If you also have AT&T TV service, do not disable the WiFi on the AT&T gateway, as some TV features require it. You can find step-by-step instructions on Eero's AT&T setup page and AT&T's IP Passthrough guide. This setup can be a bit involved, so it's one of those things where having someone walk you through it can save a lot of headaches.
Note for Comcast Xfinity customers
If you have a Comcast-supplied all-in-one router and modem (a gateway) I recommend putting it into Bridge Mode or replacing it with your own modem. Xfinity has instructions for this on their Bridge Mode support page. Note that Xfinity's newest fiber gateway (the XB10) does not support bridge mode as of early 2026. If you have separate modem and router devices, the Eero can replace the existing router, and you will keep your modem in place.
Some missing features
Eero is designed to be self-maintaining, so it lacks some features that power users may expect, such as channel selection, separate SSIDs per band, web-based administration, VLANs, and manual software updates. If you don't recognize these features, don't worry about it. They are for people who know what they are.
Ethernet ports: If you need more Ethernet ports than your Eero provides, you can use the ports on additional Eero nodes, or you can add a switch.
Optional subscription
While most Eero users don't pay monthly fees, there is an optional Eero Plus subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, which adds several features. Most people do not pay for these, but if you do need them, they are very handy.
Parental controls
Ad blocking
VIP support
Internet backup via Eero Signal (10 GB/year included; 100 GB/month available with the $200/year tier)
DDNS
Known phishing and malware blocking
WiFi scheduling
Data usage history
1Password Families subscription
Malwarebytes for 3 devices
VPN powered by Guardian
What about standalone WiFi extenders?
You may have seen WiFi extenders from companies like TP-Link and Netgear. While they work, the biggest problem is that you end up with two separate networks and have to manually make sure your devices are connected to the right one depending on where you are in the house. Mesh networks like Eero handle this for you automatically.
Further reading
Further help
If you are an existing client or are interested in becoming one, I invite you to book an appointment with me. I offer one-on-one tech tutoring sessions in San Francisco and Washington, DC, as well as remote sessions via Zoom. Whether you need help choosing the right Eero setup for your home, configuring it with your internet provider, or troubleshooting a WiFi problem, I can help.
If you decide on an Eero system, you should allow me to set it up for you. As an Eero-certified Pro Installer, I have access to tools that allow me to better diagnose problems for all of my clients, but it requires that the network be set up by me initially. Setup does not typically require a house call. In most cases, I can help you set it up remotely.
Spacing: A good rule of thumb is two walls or floors between any two Eeros. Heated flooring, full-wall mirrors, plaster (the old-fashioned kind with chicken wire, not drywall), and exterior walls can count as two floors or walls.
Hardwire or wireless: While an ideal setup would be for every Eero to be hardwired with Ethernet to the gateway Eero, for many people that's not possible. The beauty of a mesh network is that it will work well over wireless too. You can even mix: maybe you can wire the second Eero but not the third.
All Eero Ethernet ports are live. You can plug a wired device into any Eero in your mesh to get it onto your network, even if that Eero connects to the rest of your mesh wirelessly.
If the LED lights are too bright, they can be adjusted or disabled in your Eero app. Very useful in a bedroom.
Note for Verizon FiOS customers
If you do not have Verizon TV service, you can replace your Verizon Gateway with an Eero system by connecting the Eero directly to your ONT. If you do have Verizon TV service, a Verizon Gateway is required so that your cable boxes can retrieve the program guide. The Eero can be used alongside the Verizon Gateway, but it does require some configuration to keep them from competing and causing problems. Eero's own support documentation recommends setting up the Eero behind the Verizon Gateway in a double NAT configuration and then putting the Eero into bridge mode. You can find the full instructions on Eero's Verizon FiOS setup page. I have heard that a MoCA adapter can get you around this requirement, but I haven't tried it myself yet.
Note for AT&T Fiber customers
AT&T requires that you use their gateway device (it combines the modem and router into one box). If you want to use an Eero, I recommend putting your AT&T gateway into IP Passthrough mode so that the Eero handles the routing while the AT&T device handles the fiber connection. If you also have AT&T TV service, do not disable the WiFi on the AT&T gateway, as some TV features require it. You can find step-by-step instructions on Eero's AT&T setup page and AT&T's IP Passthrough guide. This setup can be a bit involved, so it's one of those things where having someone walk you through it can save a lot of headaches.
Note for Comcast Xfinity customers
If you have a Comcast-supplied all-in-one router and modem (a gateway) I recommend putting it into Bridge Mode or replacing it with your own modem. Xfinity has instructions for this on their Bridge Mode support page. Note that Xfinity's newest fiber gateway (the XB10) does not support bridge mode as of early 2026. If you have separate modem and router devices, the Eero can replace the existing router, and you will keep your modem in place.
Some missing features
Eero is designed to be self-maintaining, so it lacks some features that power users may expect, such as channel selection, separate SSIDs per band, web-based administration, VLANs, and manual software updates. If you don't recognize these features, don't worry about it. They are for people who know what they are.
Ethernet ports: If you need more Ethernet ports than your Eero provides, you can use the ports on additional Eero nodes, or you can add a switch.
Optional subscription
While most Eero users don't pay monthly fees, there is an optional Eero Plus subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, which adds several features. Most people do not pay for these, but if you do need them, they are very handy.
Parental controls
Ad blocking
VIP support
Internet backup via Eero Signal (10 GB/year included; 100 GB/month available with the $200/year tier)
DDNS
Known phishing and malware blocking
WiFi scheduling
Data usage history
1Password Families subscription
Malwarebytes for 3 devices
VPN powered by Guardian
What about standalone WiFi extenders?
You may have seen WiFi extenders from companies like TP-Link and Netgear. While they work, the biggest problem is that you end up with two separate networks and have to manually make sure your devices are connected to the right one depending on where you are in the house. Mesh networks like Eero handle this for you automatically.
Key takeaways
Start with the Eero 7 unless you have a specific reason to go higher
Count your square footage and divide by 2,000 to estimate how many Eeros you need, then add one if you have thick walls or an odd layout
If you have Verizon FiOS, AT&T Fiber, or Comcast Xfinity, read the ISP-specific notes above before buying
Let an Eero-certified Pro Installer set up your network so you get access to advanced diagnostic tools
Book a session if you are unsure which model or how many to get
Further reading
Further help
If you are an existing client or are interested in becoming one, I invite you to book an appointment with me. I offer one-on-one tech tutoring sessions in San Francisco and Washington, DC, as well as remote sessions via Zoom. Whether you need help choosing the right Eero setup for your home, configuring it with your internet provider, or troubleshooting a WiFi problem, I can help.
